Must-see hotels in The Western Ghats

  • Carlton

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    The cream of Kodai’s hotels is a magnificent five-star colonial-era mansion overlooking the lake. Rooms are spacious with extra-comfy beds and, for some,…

  • Sinna Dorai's Bungalow

    The Western Ghats

    Exquisitely located on a rambling tea estate, Sinna Dorai has just six huge rooms bursting with local early-20th-century history. A cosy library,…

  • La Maison

    The Western Ghats

    Flower-draped, French-owned La Maison is a beautifully renovated 1890s Scottish bungalow superbly situated on a hilltop surrounded by tea plantations, 5km…

  • Jungle Hut

    The Western Ghats

    Along with ecofriendly touches (solar power, rainwater harvesting), Jungle Hut has probably the best food in Bokkapuram (if you’re visiting from another…

  • Jungle Retreat

    The Western Ghats

    Arguably Mudumalai's most stylish resort, with accommodation in lovingly built stone cottages, two tree houses and a dorm (minimum four people), all…

  • Kodai Heaven

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    This multilevel hillside guesthouse will blow your mind with jaw-dropping views that are far better than those offered by any hotels in Kodaikanal proper…

  • 180° McIver

    Coonoor

    A classic 1900s British bungalow at the top of town has been transformed into something special. The six handsome, airy rooms sport antique furniture,…

  • Elephant Valley

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    Deep in the valley 22km northeast of Kodaikanal, off the Kodaikanal–Palani Rd, this ecofriendly French-run retreat sprawls across 48 hectares of mountain…

  • Acres Wild

    Coonoor

    This beautifully positioned farm on Coonoor's southeast edge is sustainably run with solar heating, rainwater harvesting and fresh cheeses from the milk…

  • Gateway

    Coonoor

    A colonial-era priory turned gorgeous heritage hotel, the Taj-group Gateway has homey cream-coloured rooms immersed in greenery, most graced by working…

  • Savoy

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    The Savoy is one of Ooty’s oldest hotels, with parts dating back to 1829. Cottages and swing-chairs are set around a charming lawn and garden. Colonial…

  • YWCA Anandagiri

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    This former brewery and sprawling complex of cottages is dotted with flower gardens. With clean, character-filled and freshly painted rooms, helpful staff…

  • Lymond House

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    This 1855 British bungalow has an edge over many of its peers. The cosy cottage features garden-fresh flowers, four-poster beds, working fireplaces and…

  • Cardamom House

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    A beautiful hill-fringed hideaway, three hours’ drive below Kodaikanal, seven-room Cardamom House overlooks bird-rich Lake Kamarajar (which you can admire…

  • Wilds at Northernhay

    The Western Ghats

    A wonderful lodge 8km southwest of Masinagudi, in a converted coffee warehouse on a working coffee plantation filled with tall trees that give it a deep…

  • Cinnabar

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    Cinnabar's two elegant yet homey rooms offer a blissful escape, with 24-hour hot water, tea/coffee kits, glassed-in showers and lovely wooden floors and…

  • King’s Cliff

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    Hidden away above Ooty on Strawberry Hill is this classic colonial-era house with wood panelling, antique furnishings, a snug lounge and good Indian…

  • Villa Retreat

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    Take in the fantastic Coaker's Walk views from your garden breakfast table at this lovely old stone-built hotel, right next to the walk's northern end. It…

  • Wyoming

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    Six simple, wonderfully spacious colonial-feel rooms open up to classic Nilgiri panoramas at this delightful sun-yellow heritage house high above Ooty…

  • Residency Towers

    Coimbatore

    Opening through a soaring lobby, the Residency is a top choice for its professional staff, well-equipped rooms, swimming pool, and excellent eating and…

  • Fernhills Palace

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    The Maharaja of Mysore’s exquisite Anglo-Indian summer palace is full of totally over-the-top princely colonial style. All 19 rooms are gigantic suites,…

  • Greenlands Youth Hostel

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    This long-running, sociable budget favourite has moved into the midrange category, though many of its rooms don't reflect this. There's a pretty garden…

  • Le Poshe

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    About 2km north of town, Le Poshe feels like you've stumbled into a flashy furniture showroom. Warm woods and whites give a fresh alpine-chalet-chic theme…

  • Reflections Guest House

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    A long-standing budget haunt, Reflections sits across the road from Ooty Lake. Most of its 12 spotless, good-value rooms have lake views; the best come…

  • Mount View Hotel

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    Perched on a quiet (bumpy) driveway handy for the bus and train stations, the nine enormous, high-ceilinged, wood-lined rooms in this old bungalow have…

  • Bamboo Banks Farm

    The Western Ghats

    This family-run operation has seven simple, comfy cottages tucked into its own patch of unkempt jungle, 2km south of Masinagudi. Geese waddle around;…

  • Mount Pleasant

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    Despite being out on the fringes of Kodai's spaghetti-like street map, 2km west of the centre, Mount Pleasant is worth finding for its quiet setting,…

  • Sri Vignesh Guest House

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    Up a steep driveway, surrounded by neat flowery gardens with a swing, this simple but characterful Raj-era home is run by the kindly and interesting Uma…

  • Fortune Sullivan Court

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    In a quiet spot on the southern fringe of town, the Fortune is no Raj-era mansion, but twirling staircases around a grand lobby lead to comfy, colourful…

  • Corner Stay

    Coimbatore

    On a quiet Racecourse-area lane, this homey guesthouse offers three impeccable, tastefully styled rooms with a communal lounge and balcony. Two share a…

  • YWCA Wyoming Guesthouse

    Coonoor

    A ramshackle, 150-year-old gem, the good-value Wyoming is draughty and creaky but oozes colonial character, with wooden terraces and serene town views…

  • Altaf's Cafe

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    Popular little Middle Eastern–Italian Altaf's Cafe runs a few sizeable doubles and three-bed rooms for six people (sometimes more!) with private bathroom,…

  • Legend’s Inn

    Coimbatore

    One of at least 10 places on this lane opposite the train station, this is a reliable choice, with spacious, clean, simple rooms, 24-hour checkout and…

  • Forest Department Accommodation

    The Western Ghats

    Most people visit on day trips, but for those staying overnight, Topslip has simple Forest Department accommodation of varying comfort and cleanliness…

  • Hotel Welbeck Residency

    Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

    An attractive older building that’s been thoroughly spruced up with comfortable rooms, a touch of colonial-era class (a 1920 Austin saloon car at the…

  • Hotel ESS Grande

    Coimbatore

    Handy for a few of Coimbatore's bus stands, friendly ESS has small but very clean, fresh rooms. Steep discounts are available on slow days. There are…

  • Hilltop Towers

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    Although it's bland on the outside, rustic flourishes like polished-teak floors, plus keen staff, in-room tea/coffee sets and a central location make the…

  • iStay

    Coimbatore

    More modern, more comfortable and less noisy than some of its neighbours, iStay offers some of the best-value AC rooms across from the railway station –…

  • CAG Pride

    Coimbatore

    Touches of modern art add colour to the glossy, cosy rooms here, all of which have modern bathrooms with moody lighting. It's smart, helpful and near the…

  • Snooze Inn

    Kodaikanal (Kodai)

    Rooms don't have quite as much character as the exterior suggests, but this is a decent-value budget choice sporting clean bathrooms, plenty of blankets…

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